Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Hebron area

Feb. 15, 2018 10:45 A.M. (Updated: Feb. 15, 2018 2:19 P.M.)

Demolitions in Khirbet Tana April 7, 2016 (UNOCHA)

BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) -- Israeli forces on Wednesday demolished two Palestinian homes in the southern occupied West Bank district of Hebron, reportedly citing unpermitted construction as a pretext, according to official Palestinian Authority (PA)-owned Wafa news agency.

Wafa reported that Israeli forces along with staff from the Israeli Civil Administration raided the Beir al-Mahjar area of Hebron city before heading to the town of Beit Kahil west of the city and closing off its entrance.

In Beit Kahil, Israeli forces demolished two three-story homes belonging to two Palestinians identified as Anwar Sonoqrot and Ahmad al-Tamimi.

In Area C, the more than 60 percent of the West Bank under full Israeli security and civilian control, Palestinian construction and land management is prohibited unless through consent or authorization by the Israeli Civil Administration.

Nearly all Palestinian applications for building permits in Area C are denied by the Israeli authorities, forcing communities to build illegally.

Meanwhile, the estimated 550,000 Jewish Israeli settlers in the occupied Palestinian territory are more easily given building permits and allowed to expand their homes and properties, despite living in settlements that violate international law.